Selma High student wine 2025 Congressional App Challenge for her "Community Support" app
SELMA, Calif. (KFSN) -- The COVID pandemic was challenging for many people.
That includes adolescents like Natalie Bonilla, who was in middle school at the time.
With classes all online, she says she spent much of her time on the internet, using it to find connections and resources she could depend on.
"We were all trapped inside of our house, and I knew that there was such a big problem going on in the country, especially for me. I went through such a hard time and my family supported me all through it," Natalie said.
Now a senior, the virtual classroom is behind her, but she drew on that experience when her Computer Science Teacher, Kate Long, encouraged her to enter the 2025 Congressional App Challenge.
"I've known about this competition for years. I've tried for years to get kids to participate, and this year I actually got 10 kids to do it," Long said.
The challenge is open to all middle school and high school students.
The app can be about any topic but must be original.
"And my idea was, well, I was on the internet a lot, and how could I reach out to people who are also stuck there, and that's their main way of communication and finding resources," Natalie said.
In an effort to reduce the stigma around mental health and make resources more accessible, she spent five days creating the app "Community Support."
It features access to hotline numbers and a variety of support groups.
She submitted it to the competition and, in December, received an email that she was the winner for Congressional District 21, represented by Congressman Jim Costa.
"I was shocked. I didn't know how to react," Natalie said.
In a statement, Costa said, "Natalie's app demonstrates how technology can be used to strengthen communities and support those who may be experiencing difficult moments."
As the winner, she got to meet Congressman Costa, and her app will be on display in the U.S. Capitol for a year.
Natalie hopes to make it available on the app store for everyone and plans to improve it by adding transportation resources and support for other languages.
Long says she was excited about Natalie's win and hopes it encourages others to take part.
"The computer science world needs a lot more young women like Natalie who are compassionate and care about their community, to get involved in coding, because they can do it and they will make the world a better place by doing so," Long said.
Because Natalie won the challenge, she has been invited to the U.S. Capitol in April.
There she can meet all the other winners from across the country.